Charles Russell Speechlys today announces the appointment of Frédéric Dereux as a Partner within the Firm’s Litigation practice in Paris. Frédéric, former Managing Partner of Gowling Paris, brings with him a team of two Associates, Caroline Morel and Sadok Bchir. Their arrival is indicative of the office’s growth trajectory for the year ahead.

Frédéric has over 25 years’ experience as a commercial litigator, and a proven track record of resolving contractual and commercial cross-border and domestic disputes for French and international companies. He has a renowned practice in the automotive industry and is regarded as a leader in the sector, having acted for numerous Tier 1 companies, industrial groups, and component suppliers to major automotive manufacturers on issues relating to the negotiation, performance and termination of contracts and commercial relationships.

In addition, his sector-based practice encompasses disputes relating to defective products of which he has developed in-depth expertise, as well as distribution law and cases involving uncompetitive practices before competition agencies and other courts.

Frédéric represents clients before all French courts and is a mediator at the French Mediation Centre for the Automotive sector (Centre de Médiation de la Filière Automobile).

Frédéric Jeannin, Partner and Head of the Paris Office, comments:

“Having recently celebrated our 10-year anniversary, we are primed for continued growth and success, and with that in mind, we are delighted to welcome Frédéric to the team here in Paris. Frédéric’s arrival builds the headcount of our dispute resolution team in Paris to ten – including three Partners, one Counsel and six Associates – and his specialism in the automotive sector brings a new dimension to our litigation offering."

“This addition demonstrates our commitment to be a leading international dispute resolution Firm with a strong practice in all our offices.”

Stewart Hey, Partner and Head of the Litigation division adds:

“Frédéric is an excellent addition to the division, he is an esteemed litigator with a renowned and well-established sector practice. His versatility, experience and proven track record precedes him, and his appointment reflects our maturity in the market and our broader ambitions for our expanding global litigation practice.”

Frédéric Dereux, Partner, says:

“We are delighted to be joining Charles Russell Speechlys – a firm that supports clients in their national and international operations – and we are excited to bring our experience and energy to both the Litigation practice and other practices and thus actively contribute to the Firm’s growth and success. I believe that Frédéric Jeannin, Simon Le Wita and myself can make our Litigation practice an unmissable practice in the market.”

Frédéric’s appointment closely follows the arrival of Litigation and Dispute Resolution Partner, Simon Le Wita, in Paris.